South Dakota head softball coach Robert Wagner and his Coyotes are wrapping up fall ball and continue preparing for the start of their 2021 season. We are spending time this week with coach Wagner to learn more about his position groups before the squad hits winter workouts. We continue the series by focusing on players who play a number of different positions.
 
Returners
Dylan Underwood, Sr., Henderson, Nev.
Jordyn Pender, So., Phoenix, Ariz.
Mia Kraimer, So., Lonsdale, Minn.
 
Dylan Underwood has played in nearly 100 games and logged over 150 at bats in her time as a Coyote. She's started at nearly every position in the infield, but last year started 18 of 28 games in the outfield. Underwood is also coming off her best performance in the box where she led the team in doubles and turned in the fifth-best average.
 
It's those numbers, and her ability to fill a number of positions, that Wagner has appreciated throughout Underwood's career.
 
"Offensively is where I think she has improved the most," said Wagner. "She's reduced her strikeout totals, put the ball in play more and developed more bat speed and that's led to more hits.
 
"With those strengths, she's going to continue to play a lot of roles because we need her bat in the lineup. She played quite a few games in right field and she'll play some second base as well."
 
Jordyn Pender can catch and she earned a start at first base last year, but all of her other starts came as the designated player and she delivered. Pender led the Coyotes and ranked fourth in the Summit with a .370 average that included five doubles, a triple and a homer. Her 20 RBIs were fifth-most in the conference.
 
Pender didn't turn 18 until a month before the start of the season, which perhaps makes the feat all the more impressive. The goal now is to find a position for her to grow in to open the lineup for more flexibility.
 
"It's tough to improve on a .370 average, but she's certainly been working to do so," said Wagner. "She's stronger, more comfortable and knows what to expect this go-around. Her technique is improving and that will lead to more power numbers and she's also working to hit better pitches and reduce strikeouts.
 
"I'd like to see Jordyn play more on the defensive side and open up the DP slot more often, but ultimately your best hitter's got to be in the lineup."
 
Mia Kraimer's flexibility comes as a pitcher who can hit. She also caught and played some first base in club ball and high school. Her freshman year included opportunities as a pinch hitter, and a solid fall performance showed the potential for a solid sophomore campaign.
 
"She's improved both pitching and offensively and I think the biggest reason is that she's playing with a lot more confidence," said Wagner. "She's got some juice in her bat and can hit for average and power. The DP spot is crowded, but she's one of our upcoming hitters and deserving of the opportunity."
 
In a season that may require flexibility due to outside factors, this is a group that can fill holes and provide a spark. It's something Wagner is counting on in 2021.